Interlocking compact disc folder

ABSTRACT

This invention is a container or folder that can be used to hold a series of CDs, DVDs, or any number of similar objects. It is unique in that its components are made of a single kind of material and can be joined together without adhesives or other connectors. This makes it easy to add as many spaces for additional storage as is desired. Its simple construction makes it an inexpensive, expandable, and recyclable solution that is convenient for both the consumer and the manufacturer.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] Compact discs (CDs) and DVDs have emerged as inexpensive and convenient devices to store and transport large amounts of data. An equally inexpensive and convenient device is needed to protect discs against possible damage, as well as to provide a method for their organization. Current offerings are limited to containers that are either relatively expensive, non-expandable, or both (jewel-cases, CD/DVD wallets, spindles, and the like). There is a need for a container design that can provide an inexpensive, flexible, and expandable solution.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention is a method for constructing an expandable CD/DVD container from a series of folded, rectangular “leaves” made from sheet plastic, paper, or similar material. The leaves are joined to one another by locking tabs cut into their surface in alternating patterns, one pattern per leaf. The tabs also serve to hold a CD or similar object in place (one per adjacent pair of leaves). The container can be assembled without adhesives or tools, and can be expanded to contain as many leaves as desired. Because of its simple, homogenous construction, it is lightweight, convenient, inexpensive to manufacturer, and easily disposed of or recycled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0003]FIG. 1 This figure depicts a component, or “leaf,” with one of two patterns of pre-cut tabs (Pattern A).

[0004]FIG. 2 This figure depicts a leaf with the second pattern of pre-cut tabs (Pattern B).

[0005]FIG. 3 This diagram illustrates how the tabs of Pattern A and Pattern B join the leaves in an alternating configuration.

[0006]FIG. 4 This figure depicts a fully-assembled folder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This invention is a container for CDs, DVDs, or similar objects. It is constructed from a series of folded, rectangular “leaves” made from sheet plastic, paper, or similar material. The leaves are joined to one another by locking tabs cut into their surface in alternating patterns, one pattern per leaf.

[0008] The rectangular leaves are all of identical dimensions. For a CD container, a single leaf measures approximately 5⅛ inches high by 10⅜ inches wide, with folding score lines at 5⅛ inches and 5{fraction (2/8)} inches running across the width (FIG. 1). When folded inward at the score lines, the rectangle forms a unit 5⅛ inches square by ⅛ inch deep.

[0009] Each leaf is cut with a pattern of “tabs”. The tabs serve to join the leaves together and to hold the contained object in place. One of two patterns of tabs may be cut into an individual leaf (FIGS. 1 & 2). Each tab is a symmetrical, arcing slit with endpoints approximately 1½ inches apart. If the material of construction is paper, the tabs may be die-cut. If the material is plastic, the tabs should be pre-molded. The precise shape and positioning of each tab is dependent on the stiffness of the material used and the shape of the object to be contained. The shape of the tab also affects the ease with which the leaves are assembled. It is essential that the size and positioning of the tabs′ bases be uniform and identical on all leaves, or the leaves will not join optimally.

[0010] Pattern A (FIG. 1): Four tabs are cut into each half of the leaf, totaling eight tabs per leaf. Taking one half of the leaf as a square 5⅛ inches on a side (for a CD container), each tab is cut with its attached base approximately 2⅜ inches from the center of the square (the radius of a CD), with its base lying tangent to the center of the square. The tabs are spaced at 45 degrees around the square's center, one per corner. The slits of Pattern A's tabs arc inward toward the center of the square. When fully assembled, they serve to hold the contained object in place (FIG. 4).

[0011] Pattern B (FIG. 2): Identical to Pattern A, except the slits of the tabs arc outward. Optionally, the arc of the tabs may be shallower than their counterparts in Pattern A. Shallower arcs in Pattern B's tabs eases the final assembly of the container, but compromises its stability somewhat. The tabs of Pattern A may be lengthened to compensate, but the actual dimensions of the tabs are determined by the properties of the material of construction.

[0012] The final assembly is joined by hand and can be done by the end user. The tabs of Pattern A are slid into the slots created by the tabs of Pattern B (FIG. 3). The contained object, such as a CD, is held in place by the Pattern A tabs. An indefinite number of these leaves may be linked together in AB sequence, creating a series of “accordion folds” and allowing the user to join as many or as few leaves as is desired. 

1. I claim as my invention the design of a folder that can contain CDs, DVDs, or similar objects, that is assembled from a repeating pair of components, and is joined together by interlocking tabs built directly into the material. 